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Oluomo emerges NURTW national president – Nairaland

MC Oluomo’s Controversial Rise: From Transport Union Leader to National NURTW President

In a development that has actually triggered both celebration and concern across Nigeria’s transport sector, Musiliu Akinsanya, widely referred to as MC Oluomo, has actually emerged as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) following an agreement election by union stakeholders and delegates.

The election, which took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun roadway in Osun State, marks a significant turning point in the controversial figure’s career trajectory while raising serious questions about the intersection of transport unions and political power in Nigeria.

The Rise to Power

Delegates from four South-West states– Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti– took part in the election, which saw MC Oluomo as the sole prospect.

The process was monitored by the acting National President of the union, Aliyu Issa-Ore, represented by Mrs. Adedamola Salam, Head of Finance from the National Headquarters in Abuja.

The election likewise resulted in the consultation of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President of South-West and Akeem Adeosun as trustee from the zone.

In his approval speech, MC Oluomo called for unity within the union, stating, “I have forgiven everybody who upset me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me also. This is our union, and we must be committed to its conservation. We will not enable anyone to damage our methods of livelihood.”

A Controversial Past

Nevertheless, MC Oluomo’s ascension to the national presidency features substantial luggage and controversy.

Allegations of violence, political intimidation, and the weaponization of transportation union structures for political functions marked his tenure as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW.

Most especially, throughout the 2023 general elections, MC Oluomo got nationwide attention for his questionable role in election-related violence and citizen intimidation.

He was caught on video making threats versus Igbo voters in Lagos State, warning them to either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or remain at home. While he later on declared the statement was a joke made to a buddy nicknamed “Iya Chukwudi,” the event led to extensive condemnation and calls for his arrest.

The aftermath of his dangers emerged in election day violence, where political punks allegedly conducted civil-war-era-style “eye tests” to determine Igbo citizens, preventing many from exercising their democratic rights. These actions resulted in the development of a petition calling for global travel restrictions versus him, citing his function in prompting ethnic violence.

Opposition and Concerns

The Concerned Transporters in South West of Nigeria, a group of transportation employees, has actually emphatically opposed MC Oluomo’s rise to power. In a communique signed by Comrade Taiwo Ariyo and Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim, the group mentioned his questionable management style and declared use of union resources for individual gain as substantial concerns.

The group stated, “MC Oluomo’s leadership style is undesirable. He utilized union resources for individual gain, overlooking members’ welfare.” They likewise raised concerns about his capability to successfully lead the nationwide body, indicating his history of conflicts with previous leaders and his controversial management style.

The NURTW’s Evolution

The NURTW, formed in 1978 as a successor to the Nigerian Road Transport Union, has actually developed from a basic trade union into an effective political force. With almost 2 million members, the union has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s political landscape, frequently serving as a crucial grassroots mobilization tool for politicians.

The union’s structure, which extends from significant cities to remote locations, has made it an attractive partner for political stars looking for to establish control over regional communities. This has actually caused changing what was initially a transport employees’ union into what some critics describe as an advanced network for political mobilization and, often, intimidation.

Political Influence and Violence

MC Oluomo’s increase exhibits the complex relationship between transport unions and political power in Nigeria. As documented in numerous reports, he has actually been instrumental in the Southwest’s political campaigns and mobilization efforts, including significant participation in the 2018 Osun State governorship election and subsequent political contests.

His methods of operation have actually frequently been criticized for blurring the lines between genuine union activities and political thuggery. During the 2023 elections, his company was implicated of disrupting polling systems and daunting voters, particularly those perceived to be opposition advocates.

Legal Challenges and Institutional Response

The questionable nature of MC Oluomo’s management has led to numerous legal difficulties. Noteworthy amongst these was a court order during the 2023 elections that prevented INEC from engaging his services to distribute election products in Lagos State, highlighting concerns about the politicization of essential electoral processes.

Future Implications

As MC Oluomo presumes the nationwide leadership of the NURTW, questions stay about the union’s future direction and role in Nigeria’s political landscape.

While his supporters commemorate his ability to preserve order and structure within the transport sector, critics worry about the possible nationwide growth of what they view as an unsafe combination of transportation union power and political impact.

The appointment also raises broader concerns about the requirement for reform within Nigeria’s transportation union structure and the relationship in between labour unions and political power.

As the country continues to face concerns of democratic debt consolidation and ethnic harmony, the function of influential union leaders like MC Oluomo will likely remain a topic of intense debate and analysis.

This advancement serves as a defining moment for reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the influence of non-state actors in the country’s political procedures.

As MC Oluomo starts his period as National President, his actions will be closely seen by supporters and critics alike, with substantial implications for the transportation sector and Nigeria’s wider political landscape.